New Lumix 24x cameras, lenses and firmware

28/08/2011

August 28, 2011: Panasonic Australia has announced two new FZ Series Lumix cameras – the DMC-FZ150 and the DMC-FZ47; two ‘X’ -series lenses for its interchangeable lens cameras with motorised zoom; and a major firmware upgrade to its high-end LX-5 camera.

Lumix FZ 150, FZ47
The two new cameras feature Full HD AVCHD recording (1920 x 1080 50p), a 25mm Leica lens with powerful 24x optical zoom (25 – 600mm) as well as extensive manual and creative control when shooting both still and video images. Both models also offer recording video in MP4.

The Lumix DMC-FZ150 (pictured right) has a 12.1 megapixel MOS sensor and is capable of high speed continuous shooting at 12 frames per second in full resolution. ‘Light Speed’ Auto Focus (AF) has a response time of around 0.1 second.
The Lumix DMC-FZ47 (pictured right) , has a 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor, and offers 1920 x 1080 full HD 50i AVCHD video recording (sensor output 25p).

Panasonic claims a 35 percent faster start-up time than its predecessor, the DMC-FZ40.

The high-quality Leica lens on both cameras features Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology to help minimise the light reflection that causes ghosting and flare.

Creative Control and Photo modes offer greater creative freedom, allowing photographers to apply a variety of artistic effects to their images. In addition, for even more advanced shooting, the Lumix DMC-FZ150 has a zoom and focus lever as well as a hot shoe. The DMC-FZ150 also incorporates ‘Intelligent Handheld Nightshot’ which combines a series of consecutive shots so that night shots can be created without the use of a tripod.

The Lumix Image Uploader offers easy, instant image and video sharing via social networking sites Facebook and YouTube, with any PC. Users can enjoy viewing 3D images, created in the 3D Photo Mode, on a VIERA 3D HDTV or on other MPO-compatible equipment.

The FZ47 will be available mid-September at an RRP of $649, while the FZ150 will be available in mid-October with no local pricing available.

‘X’ Series lenses

Panasonic has also flagged the ‘X’ Series of Lumix G Micro System lenses – with two interchangeable Micro Four Thirds System lenses offering electric powered zoom operation.

Both lenses – in black and silver – will be available in Australia in late October, and the 14-42mm lens will also be available as a lens kit with the DMC-GF3 Lumix G Micro System camera. Pricing will be announced closer to the release date.

‘This revolutionary development allows users to have a zoom lens in an incredibly small package,’ explained Alistair Robins, group marketing manager, Lumix, Panasonic Australia.

‘For those new to interchangeable lens cameras, using the zoom at the push of a button will be familiar to them from their compact camera; while more advanced users will appreciate the smooth zooming when shooting video. When using the 45-175mm zoom, activities such as shooting when using an underwater housing are easier as there is no external movement of the zoom.’

LX5 Firmware

The new Firmware Version 2.0 for the Lumix DMC-LX5 will be available to download worldwide from 3pm, EST September 13.

The firmware upgrade offers a new algorithm to speed up the DMC-LX5’s Autofocus (AF) time, reducing it by 23 percent at the wide end, the fastest level in its class. A High ISO NR (Noise Reduction) mode has been added for images shot at high ISO 1600/3200 sensitivity and Auto white balance adjustment performance has been improved when shooting in low light.